A Hungarian startup called Codie, that successfully raised $96,306 back in May 2015 via crowdfunding platformIndiegogo, has started shipping its robotic toy. The device offers a fun way to teach kids how to code. The campaign was so successful that it raised one third of its funding goal in only two days, and ended up exceeding it by 115%.

Codie is a robot tank-like tracked vehicle that can be programmed and controlled via an app, using a visual programming language. The user interface has been simplified, so instead of having to write code, the device can be programmed by dragging blocks. This is because it is targeted at children between 8 and 12. The company is keen to establish a cloud community where they can upload and share their coding projects with other Codie fans.

The educational toy contains seven sensors, that can be utilsed via the companion app (iOS and Android) to perform a range of different functions. For example, it has a proximity sensor allowing it to avoid obstacles, and it can also be programmed to drive along a line.

I met a member of the Codie team at TechCrunch Disrupt in London. They were there to show off their wares, and he told me that they are doing their very best to ship as many units as possible to their first cohort of supporters. Those that pre-ordered a Codie robot back in May are among the very first to get their hands on one. Codie robots can be pre-ordered for €199 (£146/$218) via the company's website.

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